What is the Praxis Series?

The Praxis Series™ are tests that are required by teacher education programs and for licensure in Wisconsin and several other states.

The Praxis® Core Academic Skills for Educators test consists of three basic skills test in mathematics, reading and writing. This test replaces the Praxis I® Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST), which will be discontinued after August 31, 2014.

Praxis II® Subject Assessments are tests measuring content and teaching knowledge specific to the teaching license you plan to seek.

*Please note that this webpage provides information related to the Praxis Series™ tests; world language teacher candidates must take the ACTFL World Language tests. More information can be found on the Language Testing International (LTI) website.

When should I take the Praxis?

Passing scores for all three Praxis Core or Praxis I® tests (in addition to other requirements) are required for TED Program Admission except in cases where the requirement is waived due to alternate test scores (ACT, SAT or GRE).

The Praxis Core or I® tests should be taken as early as possible in your academic career. Most students take the Praxis Core or I® tests either right after high school, or after completing WRIT 101, the core math class, and a few general education courses, if it has been awhile since your last course in the subject area.

Other timing issues to consider are test registration deadlines, the time needed for test scoring, class registration timelines, and time to retake test(s) if needed.

Passing scores for all appropriate subject area test(s) (in addition to other requirements) must be submitted with the Student Teaching Application. See the Student Teaching Calendar for current deadlines.

The subject area examinations test students on content and pedagogical knowledge and skills - therefore, they should be taken after the completion of most coursework, but early enough to meet student teaching application deadlines.

Other timing issues to consider are test registration deadlines, time needed for test scoring, time to retake test(s) if needed, etc.

Which Praxis test should I take?

Passing scores for the Praxis Core or Praxis I (PPST) are required for all UW-Superior teacher education students except those for whom the requirement is waived due to alternate test scores (ACT, SAT or GRE).

Your degree program and the license(s) you plan to seek determine which of the subject area tests you should take. The DPI website lists test requirements for Wisconsin. Please note that depending on your unique combination of majors and minors, multiple tests may be required.

*Please note that this webpage provides information related to the Praxis Series™ tests; world language teacher candidates must take the ACTFL World Language tests. More information can be found on the Language Testing International (LTI) website.

How should I prepare for the Praxis?

ETS™ Resources

The company that administers the Praxis Series™ offers free preparation materials for every test. These include test overviews, practice questions, video demonstrations, sample study plans, webinars, and more.

ETS™ also has materials available for purchase. Before purchasing materials, check whether UW-Superior has the materials available to students for free (such as the Official Praxis Series Guide).

UW-Superior Resources

Hard copy and electronic Praxis Series™ preparation materials are available via the Jim Dan Hill Library; locate materials by searching for Praxis I and Praxis II in the catalog. A collection of electronic materials, including practice test software, can also be accessed via saved search. A good strategy is to start your preparation by taking practice tests so that you can gauge your readiness for the test and create an appropriate study plan.

The Academic Support Center offers tutoring that can be customized to help students prepare for the Praxis™. The Writing Center can help students prepare for the written portions of the tests.

The Teacher Education Program and FTA (Future Teachers Association) both offer periodic Praxis™ preparation workshops and events. Check the calendar for upcoming events. Previous workshops have been recorded and made available online here.

Your fellow students! Some students have found success by creating Praxis™ study groups.

Where can I take the Praxis test?

UW-Superior is a testing location for paper-based tests. Testing is offered on specific dates throughout the year. The Academic Support Center has information about taking the paper-based test at UW-Superior here.

The local testing center for the computer-based tests is in Duluth.

In addition to the local test centers, there are dozens of testing centers throughout the U.S. and Canada for both the paper-based and computer-based tests. If you wish to take the exam at a testing center close to home, you may do so. Testing centers and dates can be looked up on the ETS website.

What if I don't pass the Praxis?

First of all, don't panic! Many students do not pass Praxis™ tests on the first attempt - often, this happens because students underestimate the amount of time and effort needed to be successful. If you don't pass a Praxis™ test, you may retake the specific test you did not pass. Save time and money by preparing well the first time around!

After an unsuccessful Praxis™ attempt, set up a meeting with your Academic Advisor to discuss what went wrong, strategies for success the next time around, and how it might affect your academic progress. Also, reflect on these questions:

Did I utilize all the resources available to me?

Did I start preparing far enough in advance?

Did I take the test before completing related coursework, or too long after finishing related courses?